Grain, oil exports fuel record cargo volumes at Port of Vancouver

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says surging grain and oil exports drove a record amount of cargo through its gates in the first half of the year as part of a push away from U.S. markets.

The federal agency says freight volumes at the Port of Vancouver rose three per cent year-over-year for the six months ended June 30.

Bulk grain exports jumped 14 per cent to a record 17.4 million tonnes, while crude oil exports rose three per cent to a record 12 million tonnes.

A big chunk of the commodities shipments were bound for the Indo-Pacific, as East Asia soaked up Alberta crude while China, Europe and Mexico imported canola seed.